expected. consumer confidence floated. >> reporter: they're using the jobs report right now, the obama administration. a little more fuel. and we are talking about two men now. it comes down to these two guys and a lot of jobs on the line. possible hiring freezes, furloughs if we go over the cliff. now, working for the cuts they will make if we do actually go over the cliff. a diner, middle-class taxpayers and the vice president, telling republicans a deal to extend tax cuts for all but the wealthy is easy. >> the president would probably have me sprint up to the hill to bring the bill down for him to sign. it can be done like that. >> reporter: not really. even though the two sides are talking, they aren't making much progress. remember that phone call between the president and the speaker a couple days ago? >> the phone call was pleasant. but it was just more of the same. >> reporter: and that's the problem. it is now down to these two men, deal or no deal. the republican speaker and the president. with an election win at his back, the white house says the president won't budge on tw